The XRS thing started with the Matrix. The XRS was the top-end Matrix that had the 6-speed and the 180 HP Celica GTS engine. The XR had the AWD. All the other Matrices were quite beige but I think the XS got a the roof spoiler or some other body cladding (because PONTIAC!).

Between Upsalite and Never-Wet we will never have to worry about spilled anything, ever. Also, 800 square METERS per gram.

The appeal is that minivans are so unbelievably practical. Need to haul 4 kids across country with all their stuff? Minivan. Need to load up a kind size bed frame and bring it back to the house? Minivan. Need to load up all the supplies and food for your giant work function from Costco to the park? Minivan. Need to…

In 1993 I worked at a Del Monte factory and in the breakroom there was one of the "Warm Buffet" machines. It was still stocked with food and used regularly by many of the older workers. Not by me but now I wish I had at least *tried* it once.

I am a coffee snob. I buy freshly roasted beans from the little vendor in my neighborhood. I grind them up with my burr grinder immediately prior to brewing. I prefer my french press in order to get the most flavor out of my coffee. I love GOOD coffee.

This was the first video I remember watching on MTV. Not a bad choice, brain. Not a bad choice at all.

Seoul. The cops drive underpowered Hyundai econoboxes with CVT transmissions; there are plenty of long highways and bridges with multiple lanes for some real speed; there are 6 or 7 large hills/small mountains onto which pavement has been laid with crazy switchbacks and tight corners; lots of tunnels; and at 3am the…

One of the few sites that I actually watched through to completion.

Am I the first to point out that after spending the entire commercial building up to a "smooth" CVT ad, Nissan follows it up with their "SHIFT_" motto? I'm not Alanis Morissette but I'm pretty sure that is ironic.

I have a hankering to head out to the normally populated streets of Seoul and do a little Getaway in Seoul (GiS) action. It's normally impossible to drive like I want to, here but at 3am the roads are generally clear. I'm thinking of starting in Yongsan 용산 heading to Seocho 서초, skirting the loop to Yangjae 양재,…

Another Overseas Gearhead (That's OG to you) is also very interested in the story. It is a good follow-up to an already existing car-dealership related story. It brings closure; it really ties the room together - if I may.